Kildare's Carbery returns to Leinster after eight years away
Joey Carbery, with his son Beau here, will return to Leinster after eight years away, including two successful seasons with Union Bordeaux-Begles. Photo: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Kildare's Joey Carbery is returning to Leinster ahead of the 2026/27 season after eight years away from the province.
“I am delighted to be returning home to Leinster," the Athy man said. "I am thrilled to be joining in with Leo and the lads, there are some familiar faces and loads of new ones to get to know.
He is recovering from a cruciate injury sustained in February, saying, "I am working hard now to get myself fit and ready and contribute to the team as soon as possible.”
A graduate of the Leinster Academy, Carbery was named the Leinster Young Player of the Year as well as the PRO12 (now URC) Young Player of the Season in 2017.
He scored over 100 points and 11 tries in 37 appearances during his first spell at Leinster and helped the province to a PRO14 (now URC) and Investec Champions Cup double in 2018, before join Munster that summer where he won the URC title in 2023.
The 30-year-old moved to France in 2024 where he spent two incredibly successful seasons with Union Bordeaux Bègles, winning back-to-back Champions Cup titles.
Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen said of the move: “We are delighted to welcome Joey back to Leinster Rugby. Joey and his family have been huge contributors to the Province over many years and it certainly feels like a homecoming for Joey.
"He has gained plenty of valuable experience over the last number of years and we are all keen to learn from each other over the coming months as we look to compete in a new season.”
